Later in the month, starting Nov. 29 to Dec. 22, the Winterstart Festival kickstarts the ski season at Mount Norquay, Sunshine Village and Lake Louise. One of the top draws for spectators is sure to be the FIS Winterstart World Cup, Canada’s only World Cup Downhill and Super G events, at Lake Louise ski resort Nov. 30 to Dec. 8.

With the Winter Olympics just around the corner, the world’s top racers will be there, including American star Lindsey Vonn, who’s vying to extend her nine-race winning streak at Louise.

Banff’s annual Parade of Lights wraps up the pre-Christmas events on Dec. 7, with more festivities slated in the new year, including Banff National Park’s SnowDays.

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